Horror

Greenhaven Press Companion to Literary Movements and Genres

by Micahel Stuprich (Editor)

Discusses the attraction and development of the horror novel, including the impact of Gothic writing, and includes examples of both classic and modern horror novels and novelists.

Genres: Horror

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rather theoretical approach to the topic. We hear about the art of horror, the fear factor, its evolution, the beginnings and the Gothic novel. Then we turn to the 20th century, deal with the influences of Tragedy and Freud, try to find horror's characteristics and a definition. Then the author continues with the Gothic and Grotesque (Castle of Otranto, Northanger Abbey), deals with The Monk (aberrant sexuality). Nightmarish tales, Poe and Lovecraft are also dealt with. In three bigger sections we are introduced to Frankenstein (main motifs, legacy), Dracula and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (the problems of identity). The last section of his book form modern masters of horror (Lovecraft, Stephen King, Anne Rice and Clive Barker). Often very scientific I really liked how the different authors tried to define horror and came up with many inspiring classic examples. Really recommended stuff!

[Shad Aijalon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays from editors, authors, and critics. Each essay exploring the history or contents of horror fiction. This book isn't worth reading.

[Mads Kyron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super informative and helpful. Although some essays had a few too many references to Freud considering he was like, super weird and wrong about psychology.